10 Reasons Why The Brazilian Wandering Spider Is Your New Nightmare

If you’re afraid of spiders, then fair warning: this post is going to stoke your arachnophobia like no other. No matter what spider you’re talking about, there are a few characteristics it’ll have that creep some people out. (E.g., it’s a spider, it has legs, it’s hairy, it’s ugly, etc.) Those are normal (creepy) traits that most spiders have.

Well, prepare to meet an insanely aggressive spider that breaks the normal “spider” mold. This is the Brazilian Wandering Spider, and here are 10 reasons why you should fear it.

1.) It’s the most venomous spider in the world.

According to the 2010 Guinness Book Of World Records, the Brazilian wandering spider is the most venomous spider in the world. (Technically, the spider’s venom is the most toxic in the world.) Luckily for the human race, there is a very effective antivenom for the wandering spider’s bites. But that still doesn’t make them any less painful.

2.) They love to wander.

You might wonder where or how exactly the Brazilian wandering spider got its name. That’s simple, it’s called that because it loves to wander. It doesn’t spin webs like other spiders, and instead wanders on the jungle floor (or in your bed) looking for prey.

These spiders hunt mostly at night, so during the day they stay in the shadows, out of sight. However, because they like to wander, it’s not uncommon for people to find these spiders in dark places in their homes, cars, inside shoes, and even under piles of clothing.

3.) Not easy to miss.

These spiders can grow to be pretty big. An adult Brazilian wandering spider can have a leg span up to six inches. (Most spiders have an average leg span of about an inch if that helps you be any less terrified of this creature.)